Neroli

Neroli is the oil distilled from the flowers of the bitter orange tree, named after a seventeenth-century Italian princess of Nerola who wore it to scent her gloves. Tunisia and Morocco produce most of the modern supply. The scent is honeyed, slightly green, citrus-floral, and one of the cleanest natural fragrances in perfumery. Cousin to orange blossom absolute (which is heavier and more indolic), neroli is the brighter, lighter version. By Vedic logic, neroli is Sun and Venus: Sun in its citrus brightness, its association with optimism and clarity, Venus in its floral sweetness, its honeyed softness, its bridal use. Neroli is the most universally flattering citrus-floral in perfumery, neither too sharp nor too sweet. On skin it reads as composed brightness, fresh elegance. Wear it in spring and summer. Pairs with petitgrain, jasmine, and sandalwood.